A suspected mobile money fraud syndicate that allegedly swindled a car dealer out of GH¢450,000 under the guise of selling a luxury vehicle has been exposed, highlighting growing concerns about digital payment-related crime in Ghana.
Appearing before an Accra Circuit Court was Prince Francis Djangmah, 49, a farmer who police say acted as a key accomplice in a sophisticated scam involving the false sale of a Toyota Land Cruiser V8. Djangmah, who allegedly posed as a National Security operative, was arrested after months of evading law enforcement and has been charged with abetment of defrauding by false pretences.
His alleged accomplice, Alfred Believe Ahiatsi, also known as “Honourable,” is on the run. He is believed to have orchestrated the deception and is facing an additional charge of defrauding by false pretences.
The court, presided over by a Circuit Judge, remanded Djangmah into custody while investigations continue. His plea has not yet been taken.
A Scam Built on Trust and Technology
According to Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, who is leading the prosecution, the scheme unfolded in December 2024, when Djangmah contacted the brother of the complainant, businessman Issaka Ndunia, claiming to have insider access to luxury vehicles through a former government official. Posing as a National Security officer, Djangmah connected Ndunia with Ahiatsi, who sent images of a black Toyota V8 and posed as a politically connected seller.
The two suspects communicated with the complainant using multiple MTN mobile numbers, building credibility over WhatsApp and regular calls. On December 20, 2024, Ahiatsi lured Ndunia and his brothers to a location near the Jubilee House in Accra—an area associated with high-level government offices—and collected the GH¢450,000 cash payment.
Shortly after receiving the money, Ahiatsi instructed the complainant to collect the car from an alleged contact in Dzorwulu using yet another MTN number. However, within minutes, all the phone lines associated with the transaction were switched off. The promised vehicle never materialized.
Mobile Money Trail Uncovered
Investigators uncovered a significant mobile money transfer trail, revealing that within four hours of the scam, approximately GH¢54,900 had been transferred from various MTN numbers to Djangmah’s mobile money account.
This digital footprint, police say, supports suspicions that Djangmah and Ahiatsi are part of a larger fraud syndicate exploiting Ghana’s popular mobile money platforms to launder illicit funds.
“The suspects are leveraging the convenience and anonymity of mobile money transactions to carry out sophisticated scams, often impersonating security personnel or public officials to win trust,” Chief Inspector Lawer stated.
National Implications
The case has raised renewed concerns about digital impersonation, lack of verification in mobile transactions, and the increasing complexity of financial fraud in the country. Law enforcement officials say such scams are difficult to detect in real-time due to the fast and decentralized nature of mobile money platforms.
Djangmah was finally apprehended on September 19, 2025, at his hideout in Somanya, Eastern Region, after ignoring multiple police summons. During interrogation, he admitted to connecting the complainant with Ahiatsi but denied further involvement.
Police believe the duo are members of a well-organized criminal network that targets high-value victims using fake identities and forged affiliations with government agencies. Investigations are ongoing to track down Ahiatsi and other potential accomplices.
Caution to the Public
Authorities have issued a public warning to individuals and businesses to verify identities before conducting large transactions—particularly those involving luxury goods or claims of government affiliation.
“This case is a wake-up call,” an investigator noted. “We urge citizens to be cautious when engaging in mobile money-based transactions with individuals they have not physically verified.”
The court is expected to reconvene on the case in the coming weeks.
